Recirculating radiator system



2 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Jan. 13, 1948 INVENTOR. F/QDEP/C W H/LD ATTORNEY June 12, 1951- F. w. HIL D RECIRCULATING RADIATOR SYSTEM 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Jan 13, 1948 JNVENTOR. FREDZR/C W H/L D h X TORA/EY Patented June 12, 1951 UNITED STATES PATENT OFF-ICE 2,556,327 RECIRCULATIN G RADIATOR SYSTEM Frederic W. Hild, Los Angeles, Calif.

Application January 13, 1948, Serial No. 2,121

radiator for auto vehicles, the heated water from the engine enters the hot water tank at the upper part of the radiator, flows downward therefrom through small water passages in the cooling core where it is cooled by the forced draft of atmospheric air moving through air passages approximately at right angles to the water movement, the air being drawn through the core by the engine driven fan. The cooled water enters the lower tank discharging therefrom and is circulated by the engine driven water pump through the engine cooling channels and the radiator.

16 Claims. (01. 12341.45)

Thus engine operating temperatures below the low point of the optimum range means underheat operations and this as well as overheat operation means diminished engine power, waste of fuel, increased maintenance.

In the present prevailing cooling systems, a single thermostat valve in the outlet of the cylinder jackets, is relied upon to regulate the temperature of the jacket water. This thermostat valve operates to by-pass the entire radiator until the jacket water attains a predetermined hot temperature whereupon the valve opens to admit aforesaid optimum range and manifestly until The objective function of the radiator is to cause the maximum difference of temperature between the hot water entering the upper tank and the cooled water flowing from the lower tank.

When the cooling air moves through the core thermal interchange results in cooling the water and heating the air. The heating of the air increases very rapidly as it passes through the core due mainly to the absorption of heat from the circulating water. tive thickness of the core is quite limited.

It follows that the streams of water descending the water passages at and near the front of the cooling core are subjectd to much greater cooling by the air and. therefore become much cooler as they descend than the similar streams at or near the rear part of the core.

It is an object of this invention to utilize the difference of the temperatures of the descending water streams by providing the radiator with two,

or more receptacles adapted to separate and contain the water streams from the cooling core according to the said different temperatures, and to provide separate outlets for said receptacles.

Another object is to further improve the radiator and its operation by providing in the radiator a simple recirculating device without a moving part, adapted to cause a substantial portion of the radiator water to by-pass the engine and recirculate continually through the entire radiator.

It is another object of this invention to make it possible to utilize a smaller radiator than has been necessary, and yet produce equivalent coolmg.

It is generally recognized that to attain the best efliciency and most economical operation, the engine temperatures should be maintained within a comparatively narrow range of quite high temperatures representing and being the optimum range.

As a result the practical efieo- H optimum temperature is attained the engine runs underheated.

Added to this, the wide range of weather temperatures, the variable and intermittent engine loads, the frequency of cold starting-all these combined result in mostautomotive engine operation being underheated operation.

It is an object of the present invention to provide radiator means adapted to maintain far more closely and for longer periods the desired optimum range of engine operation temperatures and thereby virtually prevent underheat and overheat engine operation.

Another object of the invention is to provide a radiator which includes a jet condenser and thereby reduce vaporization of overheated liquid from the engine, conserving said liquid and additionally contribute toward preventing overheat operation. 7

This invention possesses other advantages and has other objects which will become apparent from consideration of the drawings and the accompanying description.

Referring to the drawings:

Figure 1 shows in diagram an embodiment of the invention in the cooling system of an automotive engine, the lower tank being shown in open horizontal plan, and all other members in vertical elevation;

Fig. 2 is a vertical section of the improved radiator showing the recirculator therein;

Fig. 3 is a sectional view of the lower tank of the radiator taken on the line 3-3 of Fig. 2;

Fig. 4 is a fragmentary view of one end of the interior of the lower tank showing a flow opening therein; I I

Fig. 5 is a part section of the upper portion oi! the radiator showing a thermostat valve in the recirculator; and

Fig. 6 shows in diagram an embodiment of the invention in a cooling system having a separate member servingas a jet condenser for cooling heated water from the engine.

In the drawings beginning with Figures 1-2-3 and 4, theradiator I0 is air cooled by the fan I l which is driven by the engine 12 in the usual way. The engine also drives the water pump [3 for circulating cooling liquid through the cooling channelsjof the engine and the radiator.

The radiator comprises the cooling core 14,

the upper receiving tank l5, the lower reservoir tank l5, and the recirculator IT, which provides two inlets i8 and I9 respectively-for tank .45.

For replenishing the water supply the radiator had the usual opening and closure *cap at ithe top of the receiving tank, also the usual overflow pipe therefor.

The cooling core [4 may be of the conventional honeycomb, cellular or tubular types or any other suitable type that has water passages and air passages disposed .at-substantially right angles to each other, the water-passages leading downward from the .upper tank to the lowertank. The front and rear halves of the core==designated herein as Hil and MR respectively, function as two separate cores.

The recirculator l1 comprisesthe jetpump-ZD and the discharge bow-1.24,:both being .secured to the tank-l5 and te-each other. The jet pump '20 has the usual nozzle .2] discharging throughits small end into a constricted passage 22 forming the venturi and-surroundedby the-usual vacuum chamber 2 3 which .is also adaptedato discharge into passage 22. The liquid flowing through passage-,22 enters the..discharge bowl24 discharging therefrom into thereceiving-tank I 5. :T-he discharge opening of bowl 24 is higher than the Water level in the vacuum-chamber for a reason laterexplained.

The discharge bowl 24 is wholly within the tank l5. The bowl has .neck .25 .and; flange 26-for permanently securing the .bowl'to the tank wall.

The jet pump-Z-lLisremovably secured to the bowl'by means'of its passager22 whichfits into neck @2-5 of the bowlvandzby jet pump flange'il which is securely-bolted-tothe tank Wall and flange 2-6 of the bowl.

The large end of nozzle 52! serves as; inlet 18 and .is. connected: by pipe .28 to the usual thermostat valver29-in the outletv of the-engine cylinder jackets. .The vacuum-chamber23 of the recirculator has the aforesaid inlet l9 for receiving liquidfrom the lower tank 1-6.

between the receptacles.

The two receptacles divide the water'passages of the cooling core I4 into the two cores [6F and "MR so that the front receptacle 30 receives from liFwthe :water which is most effectively cooled.

The receptacles 30 and 3| may be separate recei-ving tanks, each exposed to atmosphere on all sides. .In .either case the water in a front receptacle is always cooler than the water in the next rear-receptacle.

A tube which extends from the front receptacle 33 through the rear receptacle and the rear side of the lower tank, forms the outlet for the front receptacle and discharges liquid therefrom through pipe as into the suction end of pump l3. 'The pump discharge flows through pipefi'i into the inlet of the engine cooling jacket. An outlet 38 from the receptacle 3| leads cooled liquid-therefrom into pipe 39 and thence into inlet 19 oft-he recirculator H.

In the present instance, as in the conventional system,'the valve 29 opensjflow-passage 28A and closes the outlet to pipe 28 during the period-of cold-starting and underheat operation and-until a. predetermined temperature designated Temp -A,

' is attained. The-coolant then circulates 'only The thermostat valve 29 may be either the I single outlet type -.or thetwo. outlet-type, both of whichhave long'been in :use inautomotive engines and are welleknown so that detail of their construction is not shown.

If the valve 29 be-the=single-,outlet type then whenthe valve is closed the water merely churns with slight or no circulation in the cylinder jackets.

In Figures 1 and"6 the valve-29 has two outlet ports, one being connected to pipe .28 and the other to flow passage 28A. Flow-passage 28A comprises a channel :within the engine (shown by the broken lines) and a tubular connectionto the suction end or inlet of pump 13.

When-the-thermostat valve 29 closes the outlet to pipe 2-3then =thefiow passage '28Ais open and the water circulates through pump it and the cylinder jackets :of the .engine, by-passing the entire-radiator. "Whenthe valve closes flow passage 28A, then the circulationfiowsthrough pipe 28.

The lower "tank :16 comprises :two receptacles 30 and 3| respectively which maybe separated'as by the hollow partitionz32 aso' thatL-liquid can flow from one "receptacle "to :the other only through opening 33 in alower corner of theapar-tition.

through the water pump and the enginercylinder jackets and by-passes the entire radiator. This may betermed Engine shortpath.

Because the short path and the comparatively small quantity of water thuscirculated without benefit-of forced coo-ling, Temp A-may'be reached from cold ,start in fairly short time during warm weather conditions, but longer time is required during cold weather.

In the conventional system when the valve 29 closes flow passage 28A and opens pipe .28, the circulationthrough the cooling system may :be designated Long single path.

.In the system shown by Figure 1 and-radiator it when thermostat valve 29 closesfiow passage 28A, heated water at Temp A under pressure of water pump i=3 flows from the engine cylinder jackets through pipe 28 into the recirculatorll at inlet l8 and into jet pump 29. Thewater flows rapidly through nozzle :2! into constricted passage 22 and createsa vacuum in chamber 23. Thereupon, the vacuum causescooled water to flow from the rear receptacle 3'! throughoutlet 33, pipe Z59, inlet i5 and into the vacuum chamber 23. This cooled water .mingles with the hot jacket water as both streams flow through the passage 22 into discharge bowl 2% and theninto the water passages of'the cooling core.

The vacuum induced stream by-passes theengine and is not subjected to the intense heat in the cylinder jackets. Its path through pipe 39 and through the radiator is rmuch shorter than the positive pressure stream circulating through the pump 53, the engine cylinder jackets and the radiator. Thus, the portion of the cooled radiator water moving because of the vacuum-infrecirculator ll, circulates through the'cooling'cores HF and M'Rwith greater frequency and is :subjected to much more cooling than the aforesaid positive pressure stream.

Manifestly this cooled water from the lower tank reduces the temperature of the hot engine water'inthe recirculator ll before the combined streams flow therefrom into the cooling core. Thus the water flowing downward through all of the cooling core 14 and received by receptacles 30 51 and 3| is very much cooler than if there had been no recirculation of the radiator water as described.

Moreover this precooling of the heated water in the, recirculator I l diminishes vaporization and thereby conserves the cooling water. Thus the upper tank I 5 and the jet pump serve also as a jet condenser.

The circulation described may be designated "Recirculator double path circulation.

1 The'level of the water issuing from the discharge bowl is higher than the level of the water in the vacuum chamber. Therefore even though the water supply in the radiator falls very low, nevertheless the vacuum induced water flow will not be interrupted.

Thus the radiator embodying the invention herein described operates to supply water that is very much cooler than is possible with the conventional radiator. Hence the improved radiator in effect is equivalent to a larger conventional radiator of larger water capacity.

Figure 5 shows the radiator IElA provided with the thermostat valve 46, which is removably secured in the discharge bowl of recirculator H, by a suitable packing 4i and a breech looking plate 42. The thermostat valve may be lowcred and removed through a top opening 43 of the radiator which has a closure cap 44 therefor. Otherwise the radiator MA is the same as radiator ll].

temperature designated as Temp B which should closely approximate the high temperature point of the optimum range.

, During the time thermostat valve 29 closes pipe 28 the circulation follows the previously described conventional engine short path.

' Upon the jacket water attaining Temp A, the thermostat valve 29 closes, flow passage 25A and opens to pipe 28, but thermostat valve 4!! remains closed. Therefore heated water from the engine jackets, moving under the pressure of pump 13, flows into chamber 23 of recirculator ll, thence downward through pipe 39 into rear receptacle 3| of lower tank l6, then longitudinally through said receptacle through opening 33 of partition 32, and longitudinally through front receptacle 3!] into outlet 35 and thence into the suction end of pump l3. The two receptacles and 3| in series form a cooled water channel that is longer than the water passage through the cooling core of the radiator.

Thus the heated circulating water by-passes both the upper tank and the two cooling cores of the radiator, but during its prolonged passage through the cooled water in the two receptacles, thermal exchange occurs, resulting in the .circulating water losing much of its heat. At the same time the water thus heated in the receptacles rises upward by convection into the two cooling cores, ME and MR where it is cooled by the forced air draft through the cores.

Simultaneously cold water from the front receptacle 30 flows into the hot cylinder jackets and lowersthe temperature of the water therein so that valve 29 may move to open and close 6 intermittently as the heat in the cylinder jacket increases.

This circulation may be designated lower tank path.

.When heavier and hotter operating conditions cause the water surrounding the thermostat 40 to attain Temp B, then the valve 40 opens. Thereupon the water circulation follows Recirculator double path previously described for radiator Ill.

The three circulating paths together with the other improvements and advantages herein described, manifestly provide much greater latitude and flexibility of control and regulation of the engine temperatures than the present prevailing cooling system.

A certain minimum quantity of water in the radiator is essential for proper functioning, otherwise the engine will run too hot and overheat operation will be increased. Also in the prevailing cooling system the radiator water must not exceed a certain specified maximum quantity, otherwise the engine would run too cold and the underheat operation would be increased.

Radiator HlA with the recirculator l1 and the thermostat 40 and the other improvements herein described, eliminates the restrictions and limitations as to maximum water quantity and enables the use of larger cooling watercapacity whether in a. larger radiator, or with an additional auxiliary supply in a separate container. This obviously provides the required minimum quantity of water and overheat operations can be virtually eliminated.

Moreover with radiator [5A the engine temperatures can be held far more closely to the desired optimum range than is possible with the present prevailing cooling systems. Thus except for the brief period of cold starting, underheat operation can be reduced so much as to be practically negligible.

Referring to Figure 6, this shows engine l2 and water pump l3 in circulatory connection with radiator 45 and condenser 46.

The upper tank of radiator 45 has inlet 48, filler cap 5| and an overflow pipe which has small valve 52. When this valve is open, the level of the coolant in the radiator is as in the usual radiators. The recirculator I! with thermostat valve 40 is omitted from radiator 45 and placed partly in condenser tank 46. In all other respects the radiator 45 is the same as radiator I5. The outlet of the front lower tank of the radiator is connected by pipe 35 to pump I3 which discharges through pipe 31 into cylinder jackets of the engine.

The condenser 45 comprises a tank the top of which has air breather tube 5|! which also may be used as coolant overflow pipe. A removable closure cap 49 normally closes a top opening which may be used for replenishing the coolant supply of the cooling system; also the thermostat may be passed through said opening.

Upon closing the small valve 52 of the radiator the condenser tank may serve as an auxiliary container of coolant in addition to that in the radiator.

An outlet in the bottom of the tank is connected by pipe 41 to radiator inlet 48. The condenser tank has the recirculator l1 and thermostat valve 40. The inlet I8 of the recirculator is connected by pipe 28 to thermostat valve 29 in the outlet of the cylinder jackets. The inlet l5 of the *recirculator connected :-by :pipe I:39;A :to

radiator outlet 38.

When valve "29 opens to pipe 28 :and valve 40 is closed, the circulation flows from'the en- ;gine jackets into "chamber 223 of the recirculator and thence downwardthrough .pipe1r39 Arinto and longitudinally through the two lower tanks of'the radiator andinto pump t3 and the cylinderjacket. The circulation follows the previously described Lower tank path and'may :be so designatedfor "the system of Fig. 6. This circulation by-passes the condenser tank, the upper tank'and cooling 'core of the radiator.

When valve 41! opens at Temp B which is below the boiling point of the circulating liquid, the heated water flows into jet pump 20, creating negative pressure in the vacuum chamber 23 of the jet pump which "causes cooled water to flow from the rear lower tankinto said chamber, the cooled water mingling with the hot'waterin said chamber, the mingled streamat lower temperature issuing from the discharge bowl oi-the recirculator I? into the condenser tank 46 then flowing therefrom through "inlet'48 into the upper tank of the radiator 45 and'down the cooling coreinto the-two lower tanks.

The-water thus cooled, divides on leaving'the lower tank: Part of itfiows to the pump 13, and through the-cylinder jackets and into the recirculator H; the remainder -by-passes the pump and the engine and flows directly into-the recirculator. Thus the condenser 45 with the recirculator H operates as a jet condenser for precool-ing steaming overheated water and'suppressing vaporization of :said water-priorto its circulating through the radiator.

The circulation when valve W1! is open may be designated Condenser double path circulation? Although several specificembodiments of the invention have been described herein, it will be I understood that various-other forms and modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope-of-the invention herein described cr theprinciples herein set forth.

The inventor claims:

1. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank and cores connecting the tanks; a connection 'between the lower tank and the water jacket; a connect-ion betweenthe upper tank and the water jacket; nieans-for creating pressure to pass a coolant from the lower tank to the jacket; means for passing additional coolant from :the lower tank to the uppertank; said additional coolant by-passing the-water jacket; and a temperature responsive valve means controlling said by-passing means.

.2. Ina cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank and cores connecting the tanks; a connection bebetween the lower tank and the water jacket; a connection between the upper tank and the water jacket; means for creating pressure to pass a coolant from the lower tank to the jacket; a first valve controlling egress of coolant from the water jacket; a second valve controlling the passage of coolant through said first valve into the upper tank; a by-pass connection between the lower end of the tank and the intake side of said second valve; means responsive to temperature of the coolant at the first valve for opening said valve at a temperature corresponding to the lower limit; and means responsive to temperature of the coolant at the second valve for opening-said second valve at a temperature corresponding to a higher limit.

3. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank and cores connecting .the tanks; a connection between the lower tank and the water jacket; a connection between the upper tank and the water jacket; means for creating pressure to pass a coolant from the lower tank to the jacket; means for passing additional coolant directly from the lower tank to the upper tank; said-additional coolant by-passing the water jacket; and a jet pump adjacent the top of the means for passing said additional coolant, to force coolant from the said passing means into the upper tank.

4. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a "radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank and cores connecting the tanks; a connection between the lower tank and the water jacket; a connection between the upper tank and the water jacket;-means for creating pressure to pass a coolant from the lower tank to thejacket; means for passing additional coolant from the lower tank to the upper tank; said additional coolant lay-passing the water jacket; a bowl .in the upper tank; and a jet pump between the by-pass means and the bowl for forcing coolant from the by-pass into the bowl,.said bowl having a discharge opening communicating with the upper tank, the jet pump discharging below the said opening.

5. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having'an upper tank, a lower tank and cores connecting the tanks; a connection between the lower tank and the water jacket; means for creating pressure to pass a coolant from the lower tank to the inlet side of the jacket; a supplemental tank; a first conduitlbetween said supplemental tank. and theoutlet side of the jacket; .a second conduit from the .lower tank to thesupplemental tank; and a thirdcon- 'duit'from the upper tank to the supplemental tank.

6. In a cooling system for use with a water jacketgof an internal combustion engine: airadiator having an upper tank, a lower tank and cores connecting the tanks; a connection between the lower tank .and the water jacket; means for creating pressure to pass a coolant from the lower tank to the inlet side of the jacket; a supplemental tank; a first conduit between said supplemental tank and the .outletside of the jacket; a second conduit from the lower tank to the supplementaltank; a third conduit from the upper tank to the supplemental tank; and a valve responsive to temperature at the jacket outlet for causing-flow of'the coolant from the outlet.

'7. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion enginezara'diator having an upper tank, a lower tank including a front section and a'rear section, and cores connecting the upper tank with the lower tank sections, the front cores communicating with the front section, and the rear cores communicating with the rear section; a first conduit betweenthe front section-andthe inlet of the water jacket; a second conduit from'the outlet of the water jacket to the upper "tank; and "a third conduit between the rear section and the upper tank.

8. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank including a front section and a rear section, and cores connecting the upper tank with the lower tank sections, the front cores communicating with the front section, and the rear cores communicating with the rear section; a first conduit between the front section and the inlet of the water jacket; a second conduit from the outlet of the water jacket to the upper tank; a third conduit between the rear section and the upper tank; and a jet pump located between the top of the third conduit and the upper tank, for causing coolant to be passed through the third conduit.

9. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank in cluding a front section and a rear section, and cores connecting the upper tank with the lower tank sections, the front cores communicating with the front sections, and the rear cores communicatingwith the rear section; a first conduit between the front section and the inlet of the water jacket; a second conduit from the outlet of the water jacket to the upper tank; a third conduit between the rear section and the upper tank; and a valve at the jacket outlet for permitting flow of coolant through said second conduit, and responsive to attainment of a definite temperature of the coolant at the outlet of the Water jacket.

10. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank including a front section and a rear section, and cores connecting the upper tank with the lower tank sections, the front cores communicating with the front section, and the rear cores communicating with the rear section; a first conduit between the front section and the inlet of the water jacket; a second conduit from the outlet of the water jacket to the upper tank; a third conduit between the rear section and the upper tank; a jet pump located between the top of the third conduit and the upper tank, for causing coolant to be passed through the third conduit; and a thermal responsive valve controlling the outlet of the water jacket.

11. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank including a front section and a rear section, and cores connecting the upper tank with the lower tank sections, the front cores communicating with the front section, and the rear cores communicating with the rear section; a first conduit between the front section and the inlet of the water jacket; a second conduit from the outlet of the water jacket to the upper tank; a third conduit between the rear section and the upper tank; a jet pump located between the top of the third conduit and the upper tank, for causing coolant to be passed through the third conduit; and a bowl in the upper tank into which the jet pump discharges.

12. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank and cores connecting the tanks; a connection between the lower tank and the water jacket; means for creating pressure to pass a coolant from the lower tank to the inlet side of the jacket; a supplemental tank; a first conduit between said supplemental tank and the outlet side of the jacket; a second conduit from the lower tank to the supplemental tank; a third conduit from the upper tank to the supplemental tank; and a valved overflow pipe leading from the top of the upper tank.

13. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank including a front section and a rear section, and cores connecting the upper tank with the lower tank sections, the front cores communicating with the front section, and the rear cores communicating with the rear section; said front and rear sections being connected by a passage, and having adjacent walls formed of a hollow open conduit; a first conduit between the front section and the inlet of the water jacket; a second conduit from the outlet of the water jacket to the upper tank; and a third conduit between the rear section and the upper tank.

14. In a radiator: an upper tank; a lower tank having a front section, a rear section, and a double wall between the sections and open at both ends; cores connecting the upper tank with the lower tank; and means forming a port between the sections.

15. In a radiator: an upper tank; a lower tank having a front section, a rear section, and a double wall between the sections and open at both ends; cores connecting the upper tank with the lower tank; means forming a port between the sections; and a connection between the rear tank section and the upper tank.

16. In a cooling system for use with a water jacket of an internal combustion engine: a radiator having an upper tank, a lower tank, and cores connecting the tanks; means for passing a coolant from the lower tank to the water jacket and thence to the upper tank; lay-passing means for passing additional coolant from the lower tank to the upper tank, said additional coolant by-passing the water jacket; a bowl having an open top, and disposed in the upper tank; and a jet pump between the by-passing means and the bowl for forcing coolant from the by-passing means into the bowl, the jet pump discharging below the open top of the bowl.

FREDERIC W. HILD.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,028,115 Huff June 4, 1912 1,558,009 Giesler Oct. 20, 1925 1,625,737 Muir Apr. 19, 1927 1,649,247 Muir Nov. 15, 1927 1,668,817 Muir May 8, 1928 1,668,864 Muir May 8, 1928 1,754,298 Ayres et al. Apr. 15, 1930 1,930,387 Guernsey Oct. 10, 1933 2,176,331 Drapeau Oct. 1'7, 1939 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 119,309 Great Britain of 1918 556,489 Great Britain of 1943 

